News
AK Autism Bands now available to order!!
23 July 2011
Autism Campaigner Anna Kennedy joins with MedicAlert to protect those with autism.
MedicAlert is celebrating the launch of the new AK Autism Wristbands at London College of Fashion. The wristbands which are designed by people affected by autism communicate vital personal and medical details in an emergency or if a person with Autism wanders or goes missing.
(To order one of the Autism bands please click here.)
There are now more than 500,000 people in the UK with Autism; but latest research suggests that the true prevalence of children affected by Autism could be as high as 1 in 64. Wandering is a major concern for parents of autistic children, especially as they are often drawn towards water.
The AK Autism Bands are named in honour of leading Autism campaigner Anna Kennedy who was recently named Inspirational Woman of the Year by Samantha Cameron. Anna has created the largest facility for people affected by Autism in Europe.
To launch the bands, a unique one day photography showcase was held at London College of Fashion (LCF). LCF student Ella Sullivan, currently in her final year studying BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Photography, was selected by MedicAlert to produce thought provoking images to showcase these much needed life-saving bands.
All the photos from the event can be viewed here.
Speaking about the experience Ella said: ‘When I visited Hillingdon Manor School to photograph the students I was overwhelmed by the happy and positive energy I got from the kids and staff. They all seemed to really enjoy their photo shoot, as did I! The whole experience was eye-opening and I really hope that the students' enthusiasm and sense of fun is conveyed in my photos. I'm delighted to have been asked to take part in this project. '
Anna Kennedy says:-
‘As a parent of 2 children with Autism, I know exactly the anxiety and stress that is caused when a person with autism disappears, gets injured or is in need of medical attention. Children with autism are often unable to communicate in such a situation. This new MedicAlert band is a wonderful innovation and will enable the emergency services and first-aiders to find out vital information when it matters.'
MedicAlert is the only registered charity that provides a life-saving identification system for people with hidden medical conditions and allergies. In an emergency, medical personnel have immediate access to vital information on the back of the disc. By phoning the emergency number, they can also gain further personal and medical information.
Mark Rawden from MedicAlert says:-
‘This is a real opportunity to reach a new audience and provide emergency information on their behalf when it matters. We are aware of countless examples of people with autism wandering or ending up in dangerous circumstances. This band will offer peace of mind and help relay their vital information to emergency personnel.'
The bands are now on sale priced at £24.95, plus the first year's membership at £25.
To download one of the images click here
To view the other images click here
